Nicks in time for Giants camp

First-rounder inks deal, is final draft pick to sign

Published 1:00 am, Sunday, August 2, 2009

ALBANY — The Giants will be reporting to training camp today with all their draft picks, including the one they hope fills the void left by the release of troubled Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress.

First-round pick Hakeem Nicks became the last of the Giants' nine picks to reach a deal when the North Carolina receiver signed a five-year contract on Saturday that will pay him a little less than $12.5 million.

Schaffer and Giants assistant general manager Kevin Abrams hammered out the agreement early Saturday morning, after working out the details over the past three days, Schaffer said. Nicks signed the contract after arriving at UAlbany.

Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates for causing a possible distraction, then answered questions for the first time since being named as the defendant in a Nevada civil lawsuit that accuses him of sexual assault. He declined to discuss his legal problems, or even acknowledge them, saying, "I'm playing football."

Ravens: Wide receiver Derrick Mason emerged from retirement, less than three weeks after abruptly announcing the end to his 12-year career. Mason called team owner Steve Bisciotti on Saturday morning, expressing his desire to return. The Ravens later announced Mason, 35, would be in uniform for today's practice.

Cardinals: The team agreed to terms on a five-year contract with first-round draft pick Beanie Wells. Financial terms of the contract were not immediately available.

Jets: Pro Bowl nose tackle Kris Jenkins left practice with a strained left calf, an injury not believed to be serious but will likely keep him sidelined a few days.